Every user may at some point encounter the problem of files with the iso extension. It is not always possible to understand how to open a disk image or how to use it the first time. For this purpose, special programs have been created that allow you to unpack or view such files.

What is an ISO file?

By default, Windows does not indicate how to open an ISO extension, and the user must select the utility independently. Disk images are saved in this format, which can then be burned or used on a computer. To put it differently, this is an archive that completely collects all data from the media and is its complete copy. You can create it from any CD or DVD media. As a rule, discs with games or operating systems are saved this way.

Often the iso format is used to create a copy of Windows, which can later be written to a disk, flash drive and used for installation on another computer. Many people have a question about how to open an iso image. For example, this can be done using tools built into the operating system or using conventional archivers.

How to open a disk image

A person may need to open the image in order to pull out one specific file or to use the entire content. There are two ways for these purposes:

• use archiving programs WInRar or 7Zip;
• through special utilities with virtual drives.

Opening files with archivers

The easiest way to open a disk image is to use archivers. They are very easy to download and install and are free to use. It is better to download from official sites so as not to introduce viruses along with the installer. The most popular and reliable options for opening archives are WinRar and 7Zip. All modern versions support the Russian language, so it will be easy to navigate the interface.

Both of these utilities provide the same functionality, which is the ability to open an iso and extract the necessary files from it. During installation of the archiver, you must check the box “Integration with the operating system shell.” After this, you can simply right-click on the file. In the menu, select the appropriate item where the name of the utility for archives is indicated. An additional list will offer you a choice of several different actions:

• open;
• extract (you can select any folder);
• extract to current folder.

It should be taken into account that this method allows you to work with the image only in read format; you will not be able to write files to a disk or flash drive through the archiver. This allows you to work with content only on the computer itself. For example, if you need to reinstall the operating system, you will not be able to burn a flash drive with OS files.

Using special programs

A program for reading disk images offers wider functionality for working with iso. As a rule, to fully use them you need to buy a license, but for working at home, the trial version will be quite enough. At the moment, two utilities are considered the most popular:

• Deamon Tools;
• Ultra ISO.

Program for mounting disk image Daemon Tools

One of the options for opening iso is Deamon Tool. To use it for free, you can download the Lite version; it is freely available on the official website of the developers. The essence of the utility is that it creates several virtual drives on your PC into which you can mount iso. Install the program: an icon should appear in the tray that will help you quickly disconnect and connect disk images.

Automatically after installation, one virtual drive will appear, which can be used immediately. For this:

1. Left-click on the utility icon.
2. Hover over the drive name. We click on it.
3. An explorer window will appear, through which you should specify the path to the folder with the iso. Select it.
4. Go through Explorer to the drive created by the program and perform the necessary actions with the content.

If necessary, you can right-click on the program icon and open the settings and control panel. A more “friendly” and visual version of the utility’s interface can be seen if you launch it in full screen mode from the desktop (or from the folder where you installed it). Additional tooltips will pop up in the menu when you hover over the controls.

Open ISO file with UltraISO

Another option for opening iso is the UltraISO disk image program. The full version must be purchased, but for home use you should always choose to run the trial version after installation. To install, you need to go to the official page of the utility and download it, where you can also select the required interface language before downloading. Next, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Run the UltraISO installation, agree with all points. There is no need to check or uncheck any additional boxes.
2. After installation, you can click on any iso file and select a utility from the list provided. After this, such an extension will open automatically through it.
3. By double clicking, a window will appear in front of you where the entire contents of the image will be shown.

The main advantage of UltraISO is that you can immediately unpack all the data or start the burning process to disk. To do this, select the icon with a burning disk (“Burn CD image”) in the top menu. If you want to install the game, first mount the iso into a virtual drive or unpack it to any folder on your computer. For this:

1. in the top menu, click on the “Actions” tab;
2. select “Extract...”;
3. indicate the location where to unpack.

Here is another program to open ISO files.

Video: how to open an ISO file

How to open an ISO file? Review of programs, the best fast and free solutions for viewing and running ISO images.

When downloading movies and games on the Internet, it’s common to come across .avi, .exe formats. Sometimes you come across similar ones. For example, after downloading the necessary materials, you may stumble upon an .iso file. How to open something like this, and what the significance of this format is, can be found in this article.

What is the ISO format for?

This type of material is very common. Its popularity is due to its practicality and ease of use. Answering the question “what is ISO needed for?”, it’s worth starting with the fact that this format is an image (an archive with the full contents of a disk) of a CD, DVD, as well as BR (an abbreviation for the Blue Ray format).
ISO files are designed to be opened in so-called virtual drives. There are special programs for this. The difference between virtual and classic drives is that the former do not physically exist, but if you connect a file with .ISO resolution to one, the PC will perceive it as a standard CD, BR or DVD.

Important! The ISO format allows you to back up and access discs without having to use the standard disc that came out of the box. This ensures ease of use and extends the life of standard media, which can wear out over time.

Despite all the convenience of working with this format, there is one significant feature - it can be opened using special programs for the so-called burning of discs. We’ll talk further about how to do this and through what tools.

Overview of programs for opening ISO files

So, if an .ISO file has entered your PC, a program that writes data to the disk or cleans it will help you open it. Suitable ones include the following:

• Alcohol 120%
• DAEMON Tools
• Ultra ISO

Important! Even the standard WinRAR archiver will help with the issue of opening ISO materials. Other versions of programs for similar purposes are also suitable, for example, 7z.

Alcohol 120%

A very popular program for working with this kind of materials. It has two important features that need to be taken into account:

• the licensed version is paid
• For beginners, Alcohol 120% may seem a little difficult

If, nevertheless, you plan to use this particular utility, then to open and launch the materials you need to perform the following sequence of actions.

• Download and install the program on your PC
• At the moment when the installation takes place, a proposal to create a virtual drive will appear. It needs to be accepted
• Once the installation is complete, restart your PC. Upon completion of this operation, you will be able to see a new, virtual drive in the general list of available drives.
• Select the desired .ISO file and right-click on it. A context menu will appear in which you need to select the “Mount image” option.
• Next, a dialog box will open. It requires you to specify the required file
• After these manipulations in automatic mode, Alcohol 120% ISO file will open for viewing and launching the content

DAEMON Tools

This utility is no less popular than the previous one. In addition, it is free, and the algorithm for using it is somewhat simpler.

• Open the program. In its main menu, select the “Add image” option
• Select the file we need and click on the button called “Open”
• You need to right-click on the shortcut of the open file, thereby calling up the context menu. In it, select the option “Mount Drive” (Mount image)

After this, it will start automatically.

-

Ultra ISO

The utility is designed specifically for working with materials of this type. UltraISO is a simple and easy-to-use program.

• After installing the utility, run it and in the section called “File” select the “Open” option
• Specify the location of the required file and open it in UltraISO
• The material will appear on the right side of the window. All files contained in the image can be extracted to a PC and run

WinRAR

This utility is built into the standard set of Windows programs. Winrar unpacks ISO files similarly to other archives. Just right-click on the image of interest, click the “Extract” option in the context menu and in the dialog box that appears, specify the location for storing the unzipped materials. All that remains to be done after this is to wait for the process to complete.

Nero

Previously, the familiar package of utilities from Nero had a special project that supported an ISO image (Nero Image Drive). He is not active now. Therefore, this program, unfortunately, is not suitable for launching virtual drive files.

Important! All the described utilities have Russian-language versions. This, combined with a simple and intuitive interface, makes using such programs extremely easy.

The presented list of solutions is quite suitable for choosing one of the most acceptable options for opening ISO images. Working with each of them is simple and does not require special skills. You can clearly see the process of using the utilities in the video review.

How to open an ISO image: video

A virtual disk image is extremely necessary for storing very important information. By creating ISO images, you can play any game without having the actual disc. It is enough to create an emulated disk, and then mount it into the drive and you can enjoy the information recorded on it. Today there are dozens of programs from developers from all over the world. Some of them can be purchased, others are distributed completely free of charge. Among so many, it is difficult for an inexperienced user to find a truly useful product. Let's look at the best options offered by software manufacturers for producing disk images.

Option 1: CDBurnerXP

CDBurnerXP is a powerful utility that works with any disks and images. Capable of writing, overwriting, erasing data on a disk. It is a free product that has proven itself well among users. Allows you to create any boot disks and save multimedia files to your hard drive. CDBurnerXP easily creates a convenient virtual disk with a *.iso extension. Works with multisession disks in all windows operating systems (7,8,10). To create a virtual ISO image, the user needs to follow 3 simple steps:

Option 2: ImgBurn

Due to its ease of use and clear interface, this free program can be called one of the most convenient. However, even on the official website you will not find a pure executable file. The standard installer package also contains unwanted software.

If this fact doesn’t bother you or you need a powerful antivirus, feel free to take this application and use it. By the way, no suspicious activity was detected in Windows 10, but you should still be careful. Developer website: www.imgburn.com.
ImgBurn is a functional program with a simple interface. With its help, you can create a boot disk for installing the Windows 7 operating shell. When downloading by default, the program is downloaded in English, but, if desired, you can always download the crack file from the official source, and then insert the file with the Russian language into the Language folder.

The application can create virtual images from disks and files. Creating an image from a file is very simple: just click on the appropriate icon and add files and directories to create the image.

Option 3: ISO Workshop

ISO Workshop is another application option for creating an ISO image. Simple interface, works with *. cue. Working with files of this format allows you to record album images in uncompressed form.

The main function of ISO Workshop can be considered the ability to record an image, as well as extract from it. The program allows you to check disks for errors and also erase them. Link to the official resource: http://www.glorylogic.com/iso-workshop.html.

Just select “Convert” and the required window will open in front of you

Option 4: Ashampoo Burning Studio

A convenient program with an attractive interface is absolutely free. Supports a number of formats in addition to the well-known ISO. Works with any disks. Creating emulated drives is just one of the functions of Ashampoo Burning Studio. Using this software, you can easily rewrite discs several times and copy any discs. For those who need to create a virtual disk with files, you should follow the following recommendations:

Option 5: UltraISO

It is difficult to analyze utilities without such a giant as UltraISO. The program belongs to the paid representatives of the family of disk drive emulators. Works with a large number of files, creates virtual disks and writes images to a real optical disk.

How to run an ISO file? You can create this file, mount it on a virtual disk of a personal computer, or extract all the information from it using various methods.

ISO is a special file containing an absolute copy or image of information located on an optical disc. This type of format is often used for backup duplication of optical discs or for delegating large sets of files burned to CD or DVD.

How to run an ISO image file?

There is only one way to launch an ISO image file - use. To unpack images, 2 types of utilities are used - archivers and emulators.

Archivers is a type of software that interacts with archive components. Their main task is to compress information or combine a huge number of different files into one to make it easier to transfer them, while reducing the amount of information without losing data. These are “7Zip”, “WinRar” and others.

Emulators (disk drives) are needed not for interacting with files inside images, but for generating virtual disks and attaching ISO files to them instead of standard storage media. You cannot use them to edit the information inside them.

Daemon Tools– professional, with personal functions, software for generating disk images and emulating virtual drives using various protection methods. Allows you to generate various popular images from all types of disks with the possibility of code protection and compression.

This program generates up to four different virtual drives in total, which function like physical analogues, only much faster. A great thing for devices that don't have an optical drive.

Alcohol

is a serious utility for burning all kinds of disc formats and generating virtual drives on a PC, as well as emulating information from an optical disc. This development is capable of recording a disk image with information, audio and video information onto a hard drive, and then making it available to other applications, as if the desired optical disc was actually inserted into the drive. This is very important for games and programs that can only be launched from disk.

This is a high-quality utility for generating, correcting and transforming various types of disk images. Interacts with over 35 different extensions. The software can also emulate an optical drive, which allows you to run images even on devices without disk drives. And if it is available, the information can be saved to empty disks.

Regarding the capabilities, in addition to creating images of optical disks, UltraISO can also generate images of external media and even HDDs. It’s convenient because inside the resulting archive, if necessary, there is a function for adding, changing and erasing various components without having to open them. Images can also be used as additional virtual disks.

7-zip

An excellent archiver for Windows, the advantages include speed, support for all available formats and an excellent compression ratio. The application is built into the system explorer. There is a version for the console line and the “FAR Manager” extension, which allows you to work with archives without third-party archivers.

Without this well-known, comfortable and easy-to-use archiver, it is impossible to imagine everyday work with various archives. Interacts with many archive extensions, including: BZ2, ZIP, 7Z, ACE and others.

Among the colossal list of program capabilities, we should note the ability to restore corrupted and corrupted archives, generate multi-volume and self-extracting archives, work with encrypted and encrypted archives, as well as the ability to compress an almost unlimited number of files.

Windows Explorer (Windows 8.1 and 10 only)

Starting with Windows 8, Microsoft introduced the ability to open ISO files directly through File Explorer. Windows 10 also has this feature. You can easily run and burn ISO files without installing additional programs, which is very convenient and simplifies the task.

It is enough to find and select the desired file with this extension in the system explorer and open it. If there are third-party emulators and archivers, then you can open through them - the explorer will not interfere.

The user's computer must have at least 2 emulators or archivers, since some of them may not be able to cope with different types of files and volumes of internal data and consumables.

Using special programs. Creating a virtual image is a very important point when you do not have a CD/DVD recording disc, with the help of such images, in order to play some game you do not need to have a disk, we will create emulation using a program, then mount it into the drive.

Today there are a huge number of programs for creating an ISO image, many of them are both good and bad, but we will, of course, analyze workable and popular programs. Some of them are free and may be as good as paid versions, let's now see what programs we are talking about.

ISO Disk Image Creator – CDBurnerXP

The CDBurnerXP utility is very powerful and works with almost any image. Using it, you can both write and overwrite data, as well as erase it. The product is free, so there are no restrictions. CDBurnerXP will easily create a virtual disk with an ISO extension. Works on all Windows operating systems. What do you need to create a disk image?

• Download CDBurnerXP here this link. The site is official, there is no need to be afraid of viruses. When installing, pay close attention to all buttons. One of them "More options", there you can disable the installation of additional software, such as Amigo, or Yandex Browser. It's better to choose the portable version.

• Now that you have installed the program, launch it. In the window that opens, you will see many options. To create an ISO you need to select the item “Creating ISO images, burning data discs...”. If you need to create an image from a disk, then select “Copy disk”.

• So, a window will open in which you select any files to create the image.

• Having selected the files, we need to save our virtual image. To do this, click on the “File” button and select "Save project as ISO image".

Creating an ISO Disc Image Using ImgBurn

The next program on our list is ImgBurn. Its interface is very clear, so you can figure out what and how without my help, but I’ll write everything down just in case. To begin with, I want to say that the installation file also contains the installation of unwanted software, therefore, when installing, keep an eye on all the checkboxes and items. Here is the official website from where you can download this program.

So, the ImgBurn utility is, of course, functional and has a simple interface. When you first install and launch the program, you will see the interface in English, but you can change it to Russian in the settings. True, to do this you need to first download the crack from the official website, and then put the file in the Language folder.

You don't need much to create a virtual image. You just need to click on one of the provided icons in the main program window, add the necessary files and save the image.

ISO image creation program – UltraISO

I don’t want such a wonderful program as UltraISO to be in last place. Yes, it is paid, but it is powerful, it works with all types of images, a large number of files, it can create virtual disks and write data to real optical disks.

The demo version of the program allows you to record an image of 300 MB. Not very much. You can download it from this site. If you need the full version to record large files, you will have to either purchase or find “Activation” on the Internet. It's a dishonest way, but you can try.

Creating an ISO Image Using ISO Workshop

Here is another program for creating virtual images - ISO Workshop. The interface is very simple, nothing superfluous. In addition to the ISO format, the program can also work with .CUE. This is a format that works with album images.

The program can record images and extract them, as well as check disks for errors. Here is the official website of the program, download and use it.

Ashampoo Burning Studio

And the last program on our list is Ashampoo Burning Studio. The program is free and has a nice interface. In addition to the ISO format, it supports many others. Works with almost any disc. If you decide to use this utility, then you can use it to write data to various disks, rewrite them several times, and copy disks. You can download the program from the official website. Have you noticed that I mostly give only official sources? Some unscrupulous people try to sneak in their products or provide viral sources to steal your data. Before downloading from dubious sites, it is better to study it in more detail.

Once you have installed and launched the utility, you will see a nice window in front of you:

The program is in Russian, so everything is clear. To create a disk image you need to hover your mouse over the tab "Image Creation". A menu of 3 items will appear. First option - "Burn image" allows you to write data to an optical disk already prepared for this purpose. Second point "Create an image" allows you to create an image from a disc already inserted into the drive.

To create an ISO image from files, we need a third option - “Create an image from files”. This way we can create our own ISO images.

Let's say you have already selected this item. A window will appear before our eyes in which we need to select the ISO format. In addition to this format, there is also the native format of the program itself and the CUE/BIN format.

The last thing you need to do is select the files for the image and then save it.

That's all, these are not all programs, there are a lot of them on the Internet, both well-known and those that have just appeared. Each has many advantages and disadvantages, but with the help of the programs we have discussed, you can easily create a virtual image and, if necessary, write the necessary files to a finished disk.